151 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment the level and volume of clinical and toxic waste generated in Ireland on a monthly basis; the current methods for disposal of such waste; the long-term proposals for such waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4938/97]
Hazardous wastes from industry, hospitals and other sources are treated in a variety of ways, including incineration, biological and physicochemical treatment, re-use, recovery and export for treatment in facilities abroad. Comprehensive information regarding the quantities of wastes of different type arising in Ireland and the disposal and recovery routes for such wastes is contained in the National Waste Databases Report 1995, published by the Environmental Protection Agency. The report is available in the Oireachtas Library. The report indicates that the reported total quantities of hazardous waste arising in 1995 were 167,000 tonnes. Government policy on waste management generally seeks to promote the prevention of waste, optimum recovery of wastes which cannot be prevented and safe disposal of residual quantities. The Environmental Protection Agency has initiated arrangements for the carrying out of a major strategy study to assist the development by the agency of a national hazardous waste management plan. A comprehensive programme for the management of healthcare waste is being advanced jointly by the Department of Health and the Northern Ireland authorities; this will involve the early establishment of modern treatment facilities on an island-wide basis.
